My journey of academic life experience at Peking University began in early September 2018. After receiving the Acceptance Letter from the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD), I was very much looking forward to starting my study at this wonderful University. I have been privileged with opportunities of higher education and abundance of experience at multiple prestigious institutions, however, ISSCAD fully distinguishes.

 

 

My doctorate study journey began with a warm welcome of our ISSCAD administration team members. The moment I came to ISSCAD for the very first time and saw all cheerful faces with wide smiles openly welcoming us, new students of the institute, gave me positive encouragement and motivation to pursue in-depth knowledge and once again reminded me of how hospitable Chinese people are with a rich culture. Our institute is located in the northeastern part of Peking University. With its beautifully designed Chinese traditional architecture buildings and gardens, our school reflects a totally distinctive and thrilling atmosphere. Every time I ride my bike passing by the beautiful Weiming Lake and the Boya Pagoda looking at all those people wandering around: some are painting; some are studying or singing; some are daydreaming while others enjoying a beautiful moment with their loved ones, gives me warm feelings and inspiration.

 

 

 

 

Regarding knowledge delivery method at Peking University, I explored unique applications in terms of an effective mixture of theory with practice that I have ever experienced before. From the beginning of our courses at ISSCAD we have embarked upon learning and practicing theories combined with the real world matters every day. We are fortunate to attend classes taught by world-class professors, each with a unique teaching method. The classes here are very fruitful, full of interactive activities, discussions sharing knowledge and debates, which we all truly enjoy while widening our knowledge scope. We enjoy teamwork assignments, group presentations, and leadership practices that create incentives to develop our skills. Furthermore, there are numerous opportunities designed by the program for us to enhance our knowledge and expertise. For example, we have experienced various well-organized activities outside the classroom and profound field trips to different cities and villages for the purposes of learning China’s economic growth techniques and reform strategies in practice. Throughout six months at the institute, I have gained deep knowledge and improved practical skills. The program has positively transformed my personality traits regarding study, work ethic, creative thinking, behaviour and practical application. 

 

 

 

I believe Peking University is among the world's leading universities competent at inspiring people and creating incentives where new ideas emerge. I am very lucky to be in the same class with different government officials coming from China and other developing countries to learn and discuss opportunities in various perspectives and viewpoints, which is crucial for me to foster my understanding. I am certain we all came here with an economic puzzle in mind, therefore, we need to expand our knowledge and competence to be able to develop applicable economic-development model for our home country's dynamic growth. When it comes to economic development, where can you find an example of growing economic miracle better than China? I cannot think of a better place to study economics for the strategic development of the developing countries than ISSCAD with its distinguished program arrangement. We have the opportunity to listen, discuss and contribute to the real-world economic challenges and puzzles shared by representatives of over 24 developing countries. Each of us has a chance to introduce our home country's actual economic problem and listen to the professors' and colleagues' discussions and point of view to learn and adopt applicable lessons.

 

 

Considering China's economic development, and having a second largest economy in the world, I think we are privileged to share, discuss and grow with the help of Chinese specialists at Peking University. The reason behind China's enormous encouragement is that: growth miracles could become common phenomena if more countries changed their institutions and find suitable policies. Institutions have a huge impact on increasing and organizing factors of production. Therefore, they are the key component in promoting investment, social and economic development. To illustrate further, we can take an in-depth observation of the examples of China. When China changed its institutions from collective farming to individual farming, agricultural productivity increased drastically and the economy started growing at a fast pace. Gradually changing its infrastructure and institutional policies by adopting a "piece-meal" reform, and "dual-track" approach, the country created incentives for investment and attracted more investors within a very short period of time. Developing countries have more opportunities to grow faster than ever before if they can identify and turn comparative sectors of the economy into competitive through effective implementation of physical capital, human capital and financial capital. Based on the comparative advantage they can start developing soft industries and gradually increase production capabilities, getting ready for the integration of their products into the world market.  

 

Listening to my colleagues share their home country problems urges me to consider that most of the developing countries do not have efficient policies or they are similarly weak. They have small and vulnerable market size, where access to private capital is unreliable exposing them to great insecurity even when their sector transformation prospects are strong. Therefore, the role of the government and institutions are extremely important in achieving economic development. The world economy is changing, trade and cooperation play an important role in world economic development. Developing countries have more opportunities to fit into the world market and increase their productiveness. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) can be a major breakthrough for the developing countries to become closer to the world market and increase their trade volume. Integration of emerging economies into the world market would be a win-win situation for everyone and immeasurable opportunity for many developing nations to reduce the level of poverty and stagnation. 

 

For further enhancement of mutual cooperation among nations worldwide and supporting mission and vision of Peking University, I would like to express my gratitude first of all to the Chinese government for their efforts and unlimited support and being a good friend of developing countries and establishing ISSCAD as a platform to produce and educate highly skilled experts in the field of economics aiming to promote dynamic growth for the developing economies, strengthen and maintain worldwide economic balance. 

 

I would also very much want to thank the professors, administration team, colleagues for their inspiration, motivation, encouragement, support and creating a wonderful learning atmosphere. You are the ones who are making life in ISSCAD enjoyable. Wish you all good luck and prosperity!